Letters | Military readiness, brink of disaster, Calhoun/Rand '16

Military readiness

The Sept. 29 article, "Community challenge/business values early education," by Ashley Butler and Charles Denny, made a compelling case for expanding access to quality preschool programs to create a stronger future workforce. Readers should also know there would be strong impact on future military readiness as well. Why? Because many of the skills valued by businesses are also needed by the military, including competencies in reading and mathematics and the ability to think critically and make smart decisions.

Yet the Department of Defense estimates that only 25 percent of young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 are eligible for military service, with poor educational achievement as a leading cause. Quality early learning programs will ensure more children start school with a foundation for long-term success. The proof is found in studies of preschool programs in many states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, that showed reductions in the number of children needing special education or being held back in school, and math and literacy gains that lasted well into elementary school.

For these reasons and more, making quality preschool available to more children is a smart move for current and future generations alike.

MICHAEL W. DAVIDSON

Major General, U.S. Army (Retired) -

Louisville 40207 -

Brink of disaster

David Adams' Oct. 11 opinion piece in The Courier-Journal says he is filing suit to stop the Affordable Care Act. One more far, far right-wing extremist that cannot face the fact that the ACA is the law. It will not be stopped by lawsuits, shutting down the government, or yelling and screaming. It can be amended and improved or even repealed through the proper legislative process.

It is time for Democrats and true fiscal conservatives (Republicans and Independents) to stand together in all the upcoming elections and refuse to vote for anyone even remotely tied to the tea party movement. This movement has this country on the brink of disaster. If we get out of this shutdown mess created by these extremists and a wimpy speaker of the House, we must find a way to keep this from ever happening again.

These tea party types like to espouse what "the people" want. They should get out of the house every now and then and talk to the real people of this country.

AL WYSSBROD

Prospect, Ky. 40059 -

Calhoun/Rand in '16?

A consistent talking point heard from the tea party, right-wing media, and Republican politicians is that "Obama won't compromise."

A couple of points of fact for those of you not paying attention.

The current level of federal funding is a concession that President Obama gave the GOP during the 2011 debt limit fight. Democrats wanted more, but Obama caved to the GOP.

Secondly, a party can't block a president's agenda, proposals and appointments at an historically unprecedented level, and then complain when he won't give more.

And, most importantly, by "compromise" the GOP is demanding that President Obama enact the very Romney/Ryan platform that he trounced at the polls less than one year ago.

There is no historic precedent for the minority party to threaten to shut down the government and blow up the world economy unless the victorious majority enacts the loser's agenda. This whole mess is about one thing and one thing only: complete nullification of the last election. It's what Republicans do when they lose - attempt to thwart the will of the majority.

I have one suggestion for the 2016 GOP ticket: Nominate the corpses of John C. Calhoun and Ayn Rand. Heck, they're already there on policy.

GREGG A. HORNBACK

Louisville 40216 -

Woolridge was right

Your Oct. 11 editorial is disturbing in that you disparage a caring community relationship. I am not a resident of your city or state, but have been disturbed with the Louisville Metro Council actions against former Council Member Judy Green followed by actions against Council Member Barbara Shanklin.

I read the details as published in newspapers and on television, and surmised that the investigation was inclined to be critical of the particular council members based on race more than criminal activity.

If the council had looked into other members' every financial activity in their districts, I would be surprised if they were squeaky clean, either. You have to admit that the council member working in a West End district is going to have some very different situations to contend with than an East End district member would be managing. An elected official should remain in office until convicted of criminal activity.

It was bad enough to vote out Ms. Green, but when the council came back with charges against Ms. Shanklin, the council was beginning to get smelly.

I agree with Council Member Mary Woolridge, who had compassion for those being bullied by the council.

FLORA CHILDERS

Sellersburg, Ind. 47172 -

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Letters | Military readiness, brink of disaster, Calhoun/Rand '16

The Sept. 29 article, 'Community challenge/business values early education,' by Ashley Butler and Charles Denny, made a compelling case for expanding access to quality preschool programs to create a